Hot Spice Holders! Balloon Shakers by Masayuki Kurokawa

Because of my busy job — and my intrinsic laziness once I leave the office — I don't cook often. When I do cook, I try to make the experience as pleasurable as possible. But one of the things that gets me each time, is playing spice "roulette." You know the game — trying to figure out what mysterious spice is occupying a particular shaker. Never knowing for sure if it is paprika, salt, or pepper inside your opaque containers.

Although the Balloon Shakers designed by Masayuki Kurokawa will not solve my biggest woes (when trying to differentiate between paprika, ground red pepper, or chili pepper you're on your own!) they will at least allow you to see the beautiful spices contained within the shaker.

These shakers are simply beautiful. The bulb-like container allows you to prominently display your beautifully hued spices — you will undoubtedly leave these shakers on your kitchen counter, not hidden in your cupboards.

Of course, beauty doesn't always come cheap: a set of two will set you back $68 at Merchant no. 4.